“You know exactly where he stands. It’s part of his nature,” said von Krueger, who added, “He’s got a whole boatload of talent.”

A native of Escondido, DeVaney started bowling as a kid at the alley where his mother worked. He joined the adult ranks at age 17.

DeVaney’s family lives on his earnings and endorsements. In the past three years, DeVaney estimates he pulled in more than $250,000.

It wasn’t always that profitable.

“For a long time, I was almost broke,” he said.

DeVaney’s biggest win came in a 2003 national championship in Tacoma, Wash., when he defeated bowling legend Norm Duke.

When he won, “it was like a thousand-pound weight being lifted off my shoulders,” DeVaney said.

While the national title is his biggest win to date, DeVaney has held his own among bowling’s best. He has finished second four times since 2003 and been ranked among the top 12 bowlers each of the past four years.

Beyond the lanes, DeVaney said he tries to be an ambassador for bowling. He said the sport needs to lure more families and nonbowling sponsors.

“You need to attract people who don’t necessarily know about the industry,” DeVaney said.

He sees modern bowling complexes such as the Trevi Entertainment Center in Lake Elsinore as the sport’s future. The center, which opened in July, features fireplaces, marble architecture, a 70-foot bar and other amenities.